I struggled writing this, I hope it turned out right. Enjoy!
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The peace will succumb to flames
"Why are you here dad?" Usopp asked when he saw his father standing outside of the large gate of the manor. Yasopp pursed his lips together and stroked the stubble on his chin. "I see how it is." His father blurted. Usopp thought he might be in trouble, but that worry vanished when his dad swung his arm around his shoulder. "You holding out on me boy?" Yasopp laughed.
Right now, the two are located on the outside of Kaya's mansion. Kaya is one of Usopp's classmates… and crush. He came over to the woman's house to work on a big project coming up. When he saw it was getting late, he texted his dad that he will miss dinner and that he'll walk home.
Usopp blushed a bit, "it's not like that." For once, Usopp's lying wasn't working. His dad continued to pester him about the person, which he assumed was a woman. "Come on! At least tell me her name?" The smile on his father's face could not be ignored. I haven't seen that smile in a while… I missed you. Usopp let out a small breath, "her name is Kaya, she is my classmate." Yasopp let out a cheer and patted his son on the back. Telling him how proud he was, and that he hopes to meet her. Then, he said something unexpected, "that reminds me of when I first met your mom." The son looked up to greet his father's gaze.
Yasopp never talks about his deceased wife, not even to Usopp. His mother died when Usopp was only seven years old. When she did, Yasopp had a mental spiral. Substance abuse, addictions, alcohol. He even lost Usopp for a whole fourteen months.
Yasopp let out a sigh, "I'm sorry I don't talk about her a lot. You deserve to know more about your mother."
"I-It's ok dad… I know you were hurt the most…" Usopp's eyes down casted. It is an unspoken rule between the men, not to talk about the mother/wife. But still… "she was my classmate too. Back then, I wasn't the best acting kid… far from it. She was the complete opposite, studious, determined, passionate. I remembered being labeled for my behavior, many people blamed it on the fact I grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. One time, someone commented on my family's… our family's history. Before I could even retaliate, your mother butted in. Something she did often, may I add. She screamed at the group. 'Stop wasting your time pulling someone down! Only because you don't have enough self-confidence to put yourself up.'"
Usopp was bewildered from the fact his dad was talking about his mom. He has never heard a story like this, not since he was little. "Later, the teacher made me do a project with her. I knew nothing about the woman, maybe that is why my plan didn't work? I was going to sit there and do nothing. The other person would be scared and do the work with no complaints. But that is not how your mother was. She lectured me until my ears started to bleed! Her stubbornness and pride broke me. I ended up doing the project. That was my first A… ever."
A fond smile spread on Yasopp's face. "The teacher saw how well we worked together and assigned us as permanent partners. One night, I got the balls to kiss her. Best slap I have ever gotten. She was startled and slapped the shit out of me! I had a hand mark on my face for a week! But an amazing girlfriend." Yasopp laughed at the memory, making Usopp laugh too. He has never been this happy, never. He hoped his dad would stay a while longer. Usopp knows his dad travels a lot to keep a distance. Yasopp blames himself for Usopp's tough life, doesn't matter what he was going through at the time. He lost himself, and in return, lost his own son.
"Dad… I missed you." Usopp mumbled.
Yasopp grew a smile from those words, "I missed you too, son."
The father and son moment ruined when Yasopp heard sirens coming from behind him. The older man froze, causing the younger one too as well. "What's wrong dad?" Usopp asked with innocent eyes. Yasopp looked down at his son with a serious face, "Usopp, listen. You need to do everything the police officer says ok?" Usopp nodded.
The car pulled to the sidewalk, out came a single officer in a green uniform. "What are you doing out this late?" The slam of the car door made Usopp jump. Yasopp kept his arm around his boy but squeezed his shoulder as reassurance. "Taking my boy home." Yasopp answered with a smile.
"Do you live here?" The tone the officer used made Usopp start to shake. This policeman wasn't like Smoker and Hina, that much is for sure.
"No sir."
"Let me see some ID."
Yasopp slowly took his free hand into his pocket. Keeping eye contact with the police officer while doing so. When he realized he left his wallet at home, he squeezed Usopp tighter. "I left my wallet at home." A lump gathered in the son's throat when he looked into the policeman's eyes.
"Put your hands up and step away from the child." Yasopp did as he was told. Carefully, he removed his hand from his son and took a step forward. "Don't move from that spot Usopp. Understand me?" Fear was displayed in his father's eyes; the son gave a shaky nod. He felt helpless in this situation, all he could do is obey orders. He has heard about situations like this, not that he understands them though. As a kid, his father has always told him to be a good child and to be careful around cops. Growing up, Usopp realized why it was so important, but still didn't understand. Smoker isn't like the cop in front of him, which makes knots form in his stomach.
The man started to pat Yasopp down, unsettledness filled the older man. Especially when the police officer felt his back pocket. He pulled out the object from Yasopp's pocket and turned to the front of him. "Why was this in your pocket?" The man's skeptical tone almost made Yasopp grit his teeth. "It is a box cutter, I had to open a package before I left my house."
"Where do you live?"
Yasopp compressed his teeth, he knew where this was going. "Downtown by Foosha and Windmill road." The two streets were the sketchiest out of the entire state. Many illegal things happen there, so Yasopp wasn't surprised by the officer's next words. "I'm going to have to take you in for questioning."
Usopp's knees buckled, he didn't do anything… It's a box cutter. Is that really enough to bring someone in for questioning? What is going on? The son's whole body started to shake. He took a step closer, "Dad-"
"Don't move Usopp!" the son's foot retreated. His father never yelled at him, what is going to happen to him? He has been clean for years, I don't understand! Fear took over Usopp's body especially when the officer took out his handcuffs. "But-"
Yasopp jerked his head to look at Usopp, "didn't you hear what I said!" His jerk made the policeman pin him to the ground. "Don't resist!" The policeman warned in a harsh tone. Yasopp froze but bit his lip, "Usopp. Go home ok? Call Shanks and Benn when you get there." The officer slammed his head downward when he tried to look up at his son. The officer hovered his hand over the gun on his right side, the click of the holster made Usopp become teary eyed. Why is this happening? He was just trying to talk to me.
"Don't move." The officer growled.
"Usopp go!" His father was pushed farther into the pavement and the gun was taken out of the holster. Usopp couldn't think straight, his mind went haywire, and his body moved on its own. He leaped from his spot to save his dad.
"Dad!"
"Don't do it Usopp!"
Bang.
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"Congratulations"
Have you ever felt like your world is completely turning upside down? Or the white and black universe you lived in, suddenly turned gray? All Makino's life she was told what was bad and what was good, there was no such thing as a gray. All you have to do is smile, stay focused, and stay away from men. Those were the three rules Makino grew up with.
Except, she isn't smiling, she isn't focused, and all this happened because she didn't stay away from men.
"You are pregnant, very early though. You are less than a week in."
Makino's body isn't responding to her brain anymore, everything is going haywire. How did this happen… well I know how it happened. "I was on the pill." Makino said in a low tone. Shock still held her in its clutches, even after the doctor explained how the pill isn't always effective. Her eyes were still wide as she walked out of the hospital. The street was a ghost town, it was 3am. The outside lights flicked on and off, and heels clicked against the pavement.
A slap awoke Makino from shock, "do you ever listen?" Her mother's tone was filled with anger. Ever listen? I have been listening my whole entire life. That is all I ever do… listen… it's suffocating. "I will be scheduling an appointment as soon as possible." The word appointment gained Makino's full attention. "Appointment for what?" Her voice was still demure. How could it not? She feels like her last 21 years are deteriorating.
"An abortion, there is no way that thing will be in you any longer." The woman slipped out her phone and began to dial a number. "No." Makino said, her eyes still wide. The mother grit her teeth and started to shout, something she has never had to do to Makino. "I have told you all you need to succeed in life! This baby will do nothing but bring harm to you! I will not allow you to have such a nuisance in your life! You are too smart!" Why do I feel like that is a lie… why do I feel like that isn't the reason. She has pushed herself onto for years… that is all she has been doing.
"It is not your decision, it is mine. I'm an adult." Makino's firm tone was formidable, but it only added to her mother's rage. "You are my child. I am your mother, Makino! I won't allow you to ruin your life for some child and man!" Was your life ruined when you had me? Were you smart too, and ruined it all because of me? The green haired woman swallowed down those questions.
Man… Shanks. This is his child too; this baby is half Shanks. If that is the case, I won't make any choices until I tell him. "I am not you mom. Stop pushing yourself onto me." Makino's mother's eyes widened from the statement. It was true, all Makino's life she has felt controlled and boxed in. Without realizing it, warm tears fell down her pale cheeks. Why am I crying? Was my life really that bad? "You are not allowed under my roof with that thing inside of you." The emphasis on things made Makino's eyes glow.
Her body moved on its own, she turned to the opposite direction of her house and began to walk to the bar. I can't make a big decision, not without Shanks. The mother was so shocked, all she did was watch her only daughter walk away.
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Marco gave a smile to his asleep girlfriend. She passed out on his couch, which isn't surprising since it is four in the morning. His fingers removed some of the brown hair hovering over her eyes. He couldn't stop smiling at her.
Footsteps drew his attention, it was Whitebeard. "She looks like Rouge." His father said with a small chuckle. Marco nodded in agreement. He has met the couple before; Pops and Roger are old friends. Oden usually handles their dealings with the other company. But Roger and Rouge visit once and a while. "Does he know about you guys?" the blonde shook his head. He wished Ann would tell her father, keeping a secret from him does stress her out. But she refuses, something about needing the right time, or she needs to prepare a lawyer? "It doesn't bother me, I just don't like hiding our relationship, yoi."
Whitebeard nodded, "get some rest, son." Marco groaned when his father started to ruffle his messy hair. "Ok, I will Pops."
"Luffy!"
Luffia's eyes fluttered open when she heard her name. When they did, she took in her surroundings. It is the same dream as before. Once again, Luffy laid in the mythical realm she dreamt of before. Except something was different. There was a chill in the air and tension emitting from the forest.
She turned around and saw Sniper King shaking behind her. "We need you princess! It is urgent!" Once again, Luffy was wearing a puffy dress that made her legs itch. "What is it?" The teenager asked, bouncing off the ground. Sniper King took her hand and dragged her to the boat she visited before.
Everyone in her crew was in the boat, including Jinbe. Jinbe wore a yellow kimono with skulls and crossbones on it. His skin was blue, and gills were on the sides of his neck. "Fishman! So cool!" Luffy's eyes sparkled at her crewmate.
Nami slapped the back of her head, "we have more important issues! The green has turned into black! It is now affecting the villages too! We don't know what to do!" Luffy rubbed the back of her head with a small whine. "Let's go to the villages then?" The brunette looked towards her crewmates for an answer. Well, all her crewmates except one… Zoro is still not there. "Why isn't Zoro here?"
The crew stiffened upon mention of him. Sanji snorted and took out a pack of cigarettes, the click of the lighter caught Luffy's attention. It must be bad, Sanji only smokes when he is stressed. Once the blonde let out a puff of smoke, he explained the situation. "Zoro is banished to Impel Down, this world's most secure prison."
Luffy's eyes grew, "w-why?! I-s he ok?!" The panic in Luffy's voice lessened. The reindeer patted her back and gave her a tight hug. "He was removed because he was the cause of the green stuff growing around our territories, and the pain you feel." Zoro… was the pain? If the green stuff is connected to Zoro, could it be love? Was the pain love? Why did it hurt then? Is it because Zoro didn't love me back?
Black stuff started to sprout from Luffia's dress, "Luffy! Please calm down!" The brunette's thoughts kept spiraling. When they did, images of her childhood popped up in front of the other crewmates. That is when they realized. The black stuff around their territories is because of the conflict inside Luffy's heart. Each one of the crew mates' control something in Luffy.
Robin controls her intellect. Even though Luffy may not always be paying attention, Robin is the reason she scores A's on her tests. The woman places the info she gathers during class back into Luffy's thought process when a test is given. Nami controls Luffy's observation skills and instincts. Which is one of the most important jobs. Since the bubbling brunette is always in trouble. Jinbe oversees the inner territories inside Luffy's mind. The territories each represent something different that belongs to Luffy's personality. Her fear territory, Thriller Bark. Her determination, Alabasta. Her conviction, fishman island. Her creativity, Water Seven. Sanji controls her strength, athletic ability, and her weakness. When it comes to fighting and sports.
Usopp is in charge of her humor, what she thinks is funny, and the jokes she makes. No one else is suited for such an important role… that's what he says anyways. Chopper controls the woman's immune system and other involuntary movements. Such as her reflexes. It is a stressful job, but the small reindeer enjoys it. Brook controls her music taste and mood swings. Normally, the two wouldn't go hand and hand, but Luffy's mood is always something random. It is easier to control with music. Franky oversees her quick thinking that isn't related to academics. Her street smarts depended on Franky, which is an important job… she is always in trouble.
Lastly, the most important role goes to the moss head. Zoro is in charge of Luffy's heart, it is the most important job out of all the crewmates. It is a job only he can do. But now… he is unable to fix the conflict in her heart. He refuses to even try to stop it… that is why he is in prison. He knows what is best for Luffia, even if it defies his one rule in life. Never hurt Luffia. His crew banished him from doing so, but even though he has been in prison for months, his resolve has not faltered.
I will never cause Luffia pain… but she needs this to grow as a human. I want to see what kind of person she becomes… I have no doubt she will become a great one once she passes this test. Please understand… Luffy.
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Few things, one, I'm NOT against abortions. Makino's story has a personal connection to me, and no i'm not nor was pregnant.
Two, If you understand the theme of the first scene, great. I rather not elaborate on it, I was debating on whether or not I should post it so I made my friend read it. He said it was a very 'Zayin like chapter' *cough useless input cough*. He said it was great and that I'm also an asshole... I take that as a good sign!
Three, thank you for the reviews! Izzy, Yuki, the guests. Thank you to all the followers and favs also! Special thanks to the guest who questions the entire plot of my story (Your questions give me heart attacks but they help me think.) I don't even know if you like the story lol.
Four, the chapter's name comes from the song When It Falls.
As always, Like, Comment, or Whatever!